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ORIGIN 

OF THE 

American antiquarian ^ociet^* 



PETITION TO THE LEGISLATURE of MASSACHUSETTS, 



October, 1812. 



To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of 
the Common-wealth of Massachusetts, in General Court as- 
sembled* 

THE subscribers, influenced by a desire to con- 
tribute to the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, 
and to aid, by their individual and united efforts, in 
collecting and preserving such materials as may be 
useful in marking their progress, not only in the 
United States, but in other parts of the globe, and 
wishing also to assist the researches of the future 
historians of our country, respectfully represent to 
the Legislature, that, in their opinion, the establish- 
ment of an Antiquarian Society, within this Com- 
monwealth, would conduce essentially to the attain- 

* Application for an Act to incorporate this National Institution was 
made to the Legislature of Massachusetts, from a belief, that the Con- 
gress of the United States has not a constitutional power to grant Char- 
ters to publick Societies without the District of Columbia. 






^m 
••/^^4 



18 



ment of these objects. At present there is no pub- 
lick association for such purposes within the United 
States, The rapid progress of science, and of the 
useful and ornamental arts, in our country, may be 
ascribed in a great degree to the numerous publick 
institutions originated by patriotick individuals, but 
deriving their countenance and support from legis- 
lative authority. Such a society as is now contem- 
plated, as its objects are essentially distinct from 
any other in our country, it is believed, may advan- 
tageously co-operate with, without in the slightest 
degree impairing the utility of other institutions. 
Its immediate and peculiar design is, to discover the 
antiquities of our own continent ; and, by providing 
a fixed and permanent place of deposit, to preserve 
such relicks of American antiquity as are portable, 
as well as to collect and preserve those of other 
parts of the globe. By the long and successful la- 
bours of the College of Antiquaries in Ireland, their 
historians, it is said, have been enabled to trace the 
history of that country to an earlier period than that 
of any other nation of Europe. The researches of 
a similar society in England, established at a later 
period, at times discouraged, but now aided and 
fostered by the patronage of the government, have 
not merely furnished food for curiosity, but have 
provided many valuable materials for the benefit of 
history, the improvement o^ science, and the ad- 
vancement of the arts of life. Almost every nation 
indeed of the European world bears witness to the 
utility of similar institutions. To the enlightened 
Legislature of Massachusetts, the Subscribers do 
not deem it necessary to exhibit more in detail the 



19 

advantages which may be expected from such an es- 
tablishment within this Commonwealth. They ask 
for no other aid from the Commonwealth, than the 
facilities which, in the pursuit of their objects, may 
accrue from an Act of Incorporation. As an in- 
ducement to the grant of these privileges, they beg 
leave to state that one of their number is, at this 
time, in possession of a valuable collection of books 
obtained with great labour and expense, the value 
of which may be fairly estimated at about five thou- 
sand dollars, some of them more ancient than are to 
be found in any other part of our country, and all of 
which he intends to transfer to the proposed Society, 
should their project receive the sanction and entjour- 
agement of the Legislature. This grant, which is 
designed as the foundation of a superstructure to be 
hereafter erected, with such other conditions as may 
be reasonably expected, the subscribers believe will 
ensure the future growth and prosperity of the In- 
sitution. 

As no injury can at any rate be apprehended from 
fjuch an experiment, even if it should prove unsuc- 
cessful, and as it may be productive of much pub- 
lick advantage, the petitioners flatter themselves their 
project will not be discountenanced by the Govern- 
ment of Massachusetts. 

They therefore respectfully pray for leave to bring 
in a bill for the incorporation of themselves, and 
such persons as may hereafter associate with them, 
into a Society by the name of the American An- 
Tiq^UARiAN Society, with the privilege of hold- 
ing real estate in perpetuity of the annual value cf 
iitteen hundred dollars, and with such other privi- 



5X> 

leges and immunities as are usually granted by acts 
of incorporation to other publick societies establish- 
ed within this Commonwealth. 

ISAIAH THOMAS, 
NATH'L. PAINE, 
WM. PAINE, 
LEVI LINCOLN, 
AARON BANCROFT, 
EDW'D. BANGS. 

Sec^ry^s Office, 1 A true copy of the petition on 
Dec, 3df 1812. 3 ^^^ i" this office. 

Attest, 

ALDEN BRADFORD, Scc'r7j Commonwealth. 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve. 



An Act to incorporate the American Antiqua- 
rian Society. 

WHEREAS the collection and preservation of 
the Antiquities of our country, and of curious and 
valuable productions in Art and Nature, have a ten- 
dency to enlarge the sphere of human knowledge, 
aid the progress of science, to perpetuate the histo- 
ry of moral and political events, and to improve and 
interest posterity-— 
Therefore, 

Sec. I. Be it ejiacted by the Senate and House 
of Representatives in General Court assembled, and 



21 

by the authoritif of the same. That Isaiah Thomas, 
Levi Lincoln, Harrison G. Otis, Timothy Bigclovv, 
Nathaniel Paine, Edward Bangs, Esqrs. John T. 
Kirkland, LL. D. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. Jona- 
than H. Lyman, Elijah H. Mills, Elisha Hammond, 
Timothy Williams, William D. Peck, John Low- 
ell, Edmund Dwight, P^leazer James, Josiah Quincy, 
William S. Shaw, Francis Blake, Levi Lincoln, jun. 
Samuel M. Burnside and Benjamin Russell, Esq's. 
Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, Redford Webster, 
Thomas Walcut, Ebenezer T. Andrews, Isaiah 
Thomas, jun. William Wells, and such others as 
may associate with them for the purposes aforesaid, 
be, and hereby are, formed into and constituted a so- 
ciety, and body politick and corporate, by the name 
of the American Antiquarian Society ; and that 
they and their successors, and such other persons 
as shall be legally elected by them, shall be and 
continue a body politick and corporate, by that 
name forever. 

Sec. II. Beit Jurther enacted, That the mem- 
bers of said Society shall have power to elect a Pres- 
ident, Vicepresidents, and such other officers as 
they may determine to be necessary ; and that the 
said Society shall have one common seal, and the 
same may break, change and renew at pleasure ; and 
that the same Society, by the name aforesaid, as a 
body politick and corporate, may sue and be sued, 
prosecute and defend suits to final judgment and 
execution. 

Sec. III. Be it further enacted^ That the said 
Society shall have power to make orders and by- 
laws for governing its members and property, not 



22 

repugnant to the laws of this Commonwealth ; and 
may expel, disfranchise, or suspend an)'- member 
who by misconduct shall be rendered unworthy. 

Sec. IV. Be it further enncted^ That said So- 
ciety may, from time to time, establish rules for e- 
lecting officers and members, and also times and 
places for holding meetings ; and shall be capable to 
take and hold real or personal estate by gift, grant, 
devise, or otherways, and the same, or any part 
thereof, to alien and convey : provided, that the 
annual income of any real estate by said Society 
holden, shall never exceed the sum of fifteen hun- 
dred dollars, and that the personal estate thereof, 
exclusive of books, papers and articles in the muse- 
um of said Society, shall never exceed the value of 
seven thousand dollars. 

Sec V. Be it further enacted^ That said So- 
ciety may elect honorary members residing in, and 
without, the limits of this Commonwealth. And 
that Isaiah Thomas, Esq. be, and hereby is, author- 
ized and empowered to notify and warn the first 
meeting of said Society ; and that the said Society, 
when met, shall agree upon a method for calling fu- 
ture meetings, and have power to adjourn, from 
time to time, as may be found necessary. 

Sec VI. Be it further enacted^ That the Li- 
brary and Museum of said Society shall be kept in 
the town of Worcester, in the county of Worces- 
ter. 

In the House of Representatives, October 23, 1812. This 
bill, having had three several readings, passed to be enacted. 

TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker. 



23 

In Senate, October 24, 1812. This bill, having had two 
several readings, passed to be enacted. 

SAMUEL DANA, President. 

October 2ith 1812. 1 CALEB STRONCx. 

Approved, ^ 

Secretary's Office^ Nov. 2, 1812. 
A true copy. Attest, 

ALDEN BRADFORD, Sec^ry Commonwealth. 



NOTIFICATION AND WARNING 

To the Members incorporatedy to attend the first Meeting. 

American Society of Antiquaries. 

WHEREAS by an Act of the Legislature of this 
Commonwealth, passed October 24, 1812, Isaiah 
Thomas, Levi Lincoln, H. G. Otis, Timothy Bige- 
low, Nathaniel Paine and Edward Bangs, Esqrs. J. 
T. Kirkland,LL. D. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. William 
Paine, M. D. Jonathan H. Lyman, Elijah H. Mills, 
Elisha Hammond, Timothy Williams, William D. 
Peck, JohnLowell, Edmund Dwight,EIeazer James, 
Josiah Quincy, William S. Shaw, Francis Blake, 
Levi Lincoln, jun. Samuel M. Burnside, and Ben- 
jamin Russell, Esqrs. Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, 
Redford Webster, Thomas Walcut, Ebenezer T. 
Andrews, William Wells, and Isaiah Thomas, jun. 
and such others as may associate with them for the 
purposes therein mentioned, were " formed into, 
and constituted a Society, and body politick and 
corporate, by the name of The American Anti- 
quarian Society ^'^^ for die purposes therein specified. 



And whereas, by the fifth section of said Act, the 
undersigned is " authorized and ennpowered to no- 
tify and warn the first meeting of said Society ;" 
therefore, in coiiformity thereto, he hereby notifies 
and warns each and every of the persons above 
n imed to meet at the Exchange Coffee House in 
Boston, on Thursday the 19th day of November 
instant, at 11 o'clock, in the forenoon, then and 
there to take such measures as shall be necessary 
for organizing said Society, establishing such Rules 
and Regulations as shall be deemed expedient, 
*' agree upon a method for calling future meet- 
ings," and to act upon any other matter or thing re- 
lating to the objects of said Institution. 

ISAIAH THOMAS. 

Worcester^ November 2, 1812. 

(^5* The members met at the time and place ap- 
pointed, and the Society was organized. 



AN ACCOUNT 

OF THE 

\MERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 

I At a Stated Meeting of the AmericAw AwxiauAKlAW Society, Sep- 
tember 29, 1813, a Committee was appointed to draw up an account 
of the nature of the Institution, with a detailed statement of its ob- 
jects, for the purpose of publication. The Committee having attend- 
ed to that duty, presented to the Society their Report, which was 
read and accepted, and is as follows :] 

THE great benefits arising to the civilized world 
from associations of individuals for promoting 
knowledge, industry, or virtue, are universally ac- 



25 

kiiowledged. It is an obvious truth, that men, 
without regard to nation, sect, or party, by united 
exertions in one general pursuit, may effect more in 
a few years, tlian could be accompHshed, individual- 
ly, in ages. They are so constituted by nature, 
that " human actions, and the events which befal 
human beings, have more powerful influence than 
any other objects, to engage and fix their atten- 
tion," We cannot obtain a knowledge of those 
who are to come after us, nor are we certain what 
will be the events of future times ; as it is in our 
power, so it should be our duty, to bestow on pos- 
terity that, which they cannot give to us, but which 
they may enlarge and improve, and transmit to 
those, who shall succeed them. It is but paying a 
debt we owe to our forefathers. 

From combinations of this kind, the old conti- 
nent, within the last century and an half, have re- 
ceived and diffused more light and useful informa- 
tion in the arts and sciences, and in the natural, civ- 
il and religious history of the habitable globe, than 
had been exhibited to ^nankind for thousands of 
preceding years. 

The first society of scientifick men among the 
moderns, of which history gives us any certain in- 
formation, was established near the close of th^ 
eighth century, by Charlemagne, at his imperial 
palace in France, by the recommendation of Alcui- 
nus, one of the most learned men of the age. This 
society in time was productive of many others j 
few, however, appeared, which were of great advan- 
tage to the publick, or gained a permanent establish- 
4 



26 

meat, till the middle of the seventeenth century. 
Many literary and scientifick institutions were then 
formed, and afterwards greatly increased and spread 
through the several quarters of the globe. Wc 
will take notice of that class only of those societies, 
which had the same object in view, as the one of 
which we are members. 

Irish historians have asserted, that " there was an 
ancient college of antiquaries erected in Ireland by 
OUamh Fodhla, one of its kings, seven htindred 
years before Christ, for the purpose of composing a 
history of that country ;" and to this, say they, 
*' it is owing, that the history and antiquities of this 
kingdom may be traced back beyond that of most 
other nations." But the first society of Antiqua- 
ries, of which we have any authentick information, 
is that which originated in England in 1572, under 
the auspices of Archbishop Parker, Camden, Sir 
Robert Cotton, and others. Although it was not 
incorporated, its reputation gradually increased un- 
til the reign of James I. who, in turbulent times, 
" fearing it might canvass the secret transactions of 
his government, suppressed it." It was revived in 
the year 1717. From this time the importance of 
the society increased, and in 1751, it was incorpo- 
rated by the name of *' The President, Council and 
Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries" in England. 
" It is now in a very flourishing condition, consist- 
ing of many learned and ingenious men of the no- 
bility, gentry and clergy, whose business, as mem- 
bers, is to discover the antiquities of their own, as 
well as of other nations." Their council, says Mr. 
Rees, *' consists of twenty one persons, ten of whom 



27 

are annually chan[^ed ; the election of members is 
by ballot, by a certificate signed by three or more 
fellows being previously exhibited for six ordinary 
successive meetings, except in the case of peers, 
members of the privy council and judges, who 
may be proposed by a single member and balloted 
for the same day ; and the choice is determined by 
a majority of two thirds. Every member pays an 
admission fee of five guineas, and two guineas a 
year ; or, as an equivalent, a sum of twenty-one 
guineas. They have weekly meetings. This So- 
ciety began to publish its discoveries in 1770, un- 
der the title of Archoeologia." 

An institution similar to that of the Antiquarian 
Society in England, and for like purposes, was 
founded in Scotland in 1780, and received the roy- 
al charter in 1803. 

There is a society of Antiquaries at Upsal in 
Sweden, which owes its rise to Queen Christina, 
but its establishment to her successor, Charles Gus- 
tavus : its design is to collect and illustrate the an- 
tiquities of that country, and the northern languages. 
Another was instituted at Copenhagen, in Denmark, 
in 1742 : its immediate object is to make research- 
es into, and explain the antiquities and history of 
that country : it is patronized by the king. An 
Academy of Antiquities exists at Cortona, in Italy, 
the members of which are very respectable, nu- 
merous, and not confined to that country. It was 
founded for the study, &c. of the Hctrurian Antiq- 
uities ; the chief officer is called Lucumon, by which 
name the ancient governours of Italy are said to 
liave been distinguished. 



2B ^ 

There are in Europe many other similar Institu- 
tions ; all of which, having proper funds, have been 
very useful. Many more for want of funds were of 
short duration. 

An institution of this kind was formed at Calcut- 
ta in the East Indies, called the Asiatick Society, 
by Sir William Jones, in 1784 ; the objects of 
which are the antiquities, history, arts, and, litera- 
ture of the continent of Asia. 

Among the numerous societies formed in the 
United States for the promotion of literature, the 
useful and fine arts, and other valuable purposes, it 
appeared that one more might be added, which 
could also be truly beneficial, not only to the pres- 
ent, but particularly to future generations — a socie- 
ty not confined to local purposes — not intended for 
the particular advantage of any one state or section 
of the union, or for the benefit of a few individuals — 
one whose rnembers rnay be found in every part of 
our western continent and its adjacent islands^ and 
who are citizens of all parts of this quarter of the 
world. 

Should it be asked, what are the intended objects 
of this Society ?-— -We will answer in the words of 
Sir William Jones to the mernbers of the Asiatick So- 
ciety, ** Man and Nature— whatever is, or has beer^ 
performed by the one, or produced by the other." 
" Human knowledge," says he, " has been elegantly 
analyzed according to the three great faculties of the 
mind. Memory, Reason apd Imagination, which we 
constantly find employed in arranging and retaining, 
comparing and distinguishing, combining and di- 
versifying, the ideas which we receive through our 



29 

senses, or acquire by reflection : hence the three 
main branches of Learning are History, Science, 
and Art." 

The chief objects of the inquiries and researches 
of this Society will be American Antiquities, natu- 
ral, artificial and literary ; not, however, excluding 
those of other countries. It must be acknowledged 
that the study of Antiquity offers to the curious and 
inquisitive a large field for research, for sublime re- 
flection, and for amusement. — Those who make in- 
quiry, and those who make collections in this branch 
of science, ** furnish the historian with his best ma- 
terials, while he distinguishes from truth the fictions 
of a bold invention, and ascertains the credibility of 
facts ; and to the philosopher he presents a faithful 
source of ingenious speculation, while he points out 
to him the way of thinking, and the manners of 
men, under all the varieties of aspect in which they 
have appeared." 

As all things, which are in their nature durable, if 
preserved from casualty and the ravages of time, in 
a course of years will become antique, it will be al- 
so an object of this Society to deposit, from time to 
time, such modern productions as will denote to 
those who succeed us, the progress of literature, 
the arts, manners, customs and discoveries in our 
time, with accuracy. 

Thus by an attention to these objects, which the 
Society hope to promote by the exertion of its mem- 
bers residing in various parts of this vast continent, 
the utility of the Institution will speedily be realized, 
and it may in time vie with those of a similar kind 
in Europe, which are now so justly celebrated. — 



50 

Each individual of die Society, we persuade our- 
selves, will imbibe a belief, that its reputation, in a 
great degree, depends on his individual efforts ; and 
will feel an interest in collecting and forwarding to 
the Librarian, the Secretaries, or to any officer of 
the Institution, such antiquities of our country, 
whether of nature or of art, as may be portable, and 
which he can obtain ; and authentick accounts of 
such as cannot be transported ; with such articles 
of modern date, as are curious and interesting, and 
will tend to aid the purposes of the establishment. 
Justice will be done to the donor — his name will 
live on the records. 

Among the articles of deposit, books of every 
description, including pamphlets and magazines, 
especially those which were early printed either in 
South or in North America ; files of Newspapers 
of former times, or of the present day, are particu- 
larly desirable — as are specimens, with written ac- 
counts respecting them, of fossils, handicrafts of the 
Aborigines, &c. ; manuscripts, ancient and modern, 
on interesting subjects, particularly those which 
give accounts of remarkable events, discoveries, or 
th.e description of any part of the continent, or the 
islands in the American seas; maps, charts, &c.* 

The decline as well as the rise of nations is in the 
course of nature — hke causes will produce like ef- 
fects ; and, in some distant period, a decline may 
be the state of our country. A depository like this, 

I *Filfs of Newspapers, Magazines, or other periodical works, can be 
sent annually^ or oftener, to the Receiving Officers in the State where 
they are published, or to the Recording Secretary in Worcester, Mass. 
•who will forward them to the place of deposit. 



31 

may not only retard the ravages of time, but pre- 
serve from other causes of destruction many pre- 
cious relicks of antiquity, many specimens of the 
work of nature, and those of modern art, which once 
lost could never be restored. 

For the better preservation from the destruction 
so often experienced in large towns and cities by 
fire, as well as from the ravages of an enemy, to 
which seaports in particular are so much exposed 
in times of war, it is universally agreed, that for a 
place of deposit for articles intended to be pre- 
served for ages, and of which many, if destroyed, or 
carried away, could never be replaced by others of 
the like kind, an inland situation is to be preferred; 
this consideration, alone was judged sufficient for 
placing the Library and Museum of this Society 
forty miles distant from the nearest branch of the 
sea, in the town of Worcester, Massachusetts, on 
the great road from all the southern and western 
states to'Boston, the capital of Newengland. 

It is almost needless to observe, that a society of 
this kind cannot be supported with any degree of 
respectability or usefulness without funds. Dona- 
tions, legacies, contributions, and royal patronage, 
are the support of those in Europe, and have raised 
them to a state of eminence ; and it is not doubted 
that there are persons in America, who are as pub- 
lick spirited as those in Europe, by whose aid this 
Society will be enabled to pursue those researches, 
so desirable, into the antiquities of our country — to 
make valuable collections of them, and of other ar- 
ticles proper for this Institution, and to deposit them 
in a suitable, permanent building, which it is in^ 



32 

tended shall somi be erected for their safe keeping ; 
where they may at all times be found, and be, not 
only pleasing, but useful to the members of histori- 
cal, philosophical, and, perhaps, of other societies, 
as well as to individuals. 

ISAIAH THOMAS, fier orders 
fForcester, October, 1813, 



ABSTRACT 

OF A 

COMMUNICATION 

Made to the Society by lAc President, at the Annual Meeting 
in Boston, 1814. 

GENTLEMEN, 

IN consequence of the relation in which I now 
stand with the Society, until some further provision 
shall be made for regular meetings of the Standing 
Council, and their powers and duties are extended, 
I have deemed it not inconsistent with official du- 
ties to take into consideration the general state and 
affairs of the Institution ; to receive the suggestions 
of any of its members for its benefit ; and to present 
them, under existing circumstances, to you, that 
such notice may be taken of them as shall appear to 
be expedient. 

Our Society is in its infancy ; but it has a legal 
existence, and by proper exertions will become use- 
ful to our country. Similar institutions in Europe, 
which now rank high in publick estimation, for 
many years after their formation, were not of more 



33 

consequence to the countries wherein they were 
established, than the American Antiquarian Society- 
is, at this time, to the United States, 

The Books on our Catalogue will not bear com- 
parison with those of the long established Libraries 
of Antiquaries in Europe. 

You will, Gentlemen, see by the records, that, 
durinp^ the past year, the Library has considerably 
increased ; and that, within this period, many arti- 
cles have been presented for the Cabinet, Our 
Library now consists of nearly three thousand vol- 
umes.* 

When we consider, that the vast Libraries, and 
the splendid Museums, possessed by similar insti- 
tutions on the elder continent, had an origin as 
humble as ours, we may with confidence indulge 
the hope, that when this Institution shall have ar- 
rived at the respectable age which those now bear, 
its means for extensive usefulness will not be ex- 
ceeded by any of the like kind in any section of the 
globe. But, 

A Society cannot become extensively useful, 
unless the objects for which it is instituted, are 
pursued with some degree of energy. It will not 
be expected that we should individually devote a 

^ Sbon after tlii^ R^p6rt was made, about 900 volumes, being the 
remains of the Library, formerly belonging to Drs. Increase and Cotton 
Mather, the most ancient in Massachusetts, if not in the United States, 
were presented to the Society. At this date, January 1820, the Li- 
brary consists of more than five thousand volumes, beside which a 
Very valuable addition has been made to the Library and Cabinet by 
the Legacy of the late Rev. William Bentley, D. D. of Salem, Massa- 
chusetts, who was a valuable member, and an officer of this Institution. 

5 



34 

very considerable part of our time to the affairs of 
this Institution ; yet, without injury to himself, 
every member may do something- for its benefit.— 
There are various ways by which we may contribute 
to its prosperity ;— ^some may bestow a little personal 
attention to the management of its local concerns ; — • 
others may devise projects, by which its interest 
and its usefulness may be essentially promoted ; — 
and others collect, as convenience and opportunity 
permit, articles for its Cabinet, and donations of 
books, files of newspapers or other periodical works, 
maps, charts, manuscripts, and various articles prop- 
er for the Institution. If each member would, at 
his leisure, collect and send, at least annually, some- 
thing worth preserving to the Library or Museum, 
although the value of the gift be small, the stock of 
books and of articles in our Cabinet, would, in a 
few years, appear highly worthy of the inspection 
of the most profound Antiquary of this or any other 
country. 

At this day, there are numberless old books, 
newspapers and magazines, and many relicks of 
antiquity, crowded together in garrets and store- 
houses, of no use to any one, and hastening to de- 
struction by means of the weather and vermin ; but, 
if they were deposited with this Society, many arti- 
cles might be selected from them worthy of pres- 
ervation, and interesting to posterity. 

It would seem, at first view, a well founded 
observation, that by printing, and its multiplicity of 
copies, society was forever relieved from all danger 
of the total loss of any work which has been through 
the press; experience, however, teaches, that of 



35 

thousands of editions of printed books, not a copy 
of them is now to be found ; and if, of others, there 
may remain here and there a copy among rubbish, 
they are of no use, for no one knows where to search 
for them. 

Some method should be adopted to procure, 
and deposit in the Library, the publications which 
from time to time issue from the press. Tiiis can 
be effected, in a great measure, if each member will 
enjoin on himself, annually, to present to the Society 
one or more volumes. 

Thousands of newspapers, and other periodical 
works, are destroyed after they have had the usual 
reading. Instead of perniitting this destruction, if 
the members would direct these publications^ after 
having been perused in their families^ to be careful- 
ly laid aside ; and, if such members^ once \n six 
months, or yearly, would send tliem tp the Society's 
Library, or places of temporary deposit, it would 
afford a sufficient supply of this necessary article for 
preservation. 

There are but few who do not wish their labours 
to be known to posterity. Every author, every 
printer or publisher of a book J or pubUck journal, 
by sending a copy of each of the works they write, 
print or publish, to the Library of this Society, may 
have their works recorded, and deposited in the best 
place possible for security and preservation ; and, 
this not being a circulating library, they will remain 
for centuries subject to the inspection of historians 
and scientifick men, and be a source of high grati- 
fication to Antiquaries of succeeding ages. 



36 

It has been remarked, and I believe correctly, 
that well informed printers and the best painters, in 
all countries, receive more pleasure in vievvinj^ and 
examining the labours of those of their professions 
who have preceded them, than is common to those 
who practise other arts ; and we all know that au- 
thors who write on any particular subject, which has 
already been before the publick, are always desirous 
of ascertaining how it has been treated by those 
who have previously taken it into consideration. — - 
To all such, the Library of this Society will, un- 
doubtedly, ere long, afford much gratification. 

Several things have been suggested to me by 
members of this Society, tending to its interest. — r 
Permit me to mention some of them. 

1. That we may make the Institution better 
comport with the name it bears — " A?nerican An- 
tiquarian Society" — and more readily effect the pur- 
poses intended, it will be expedient to have a suita- 
ble number of respectable and useful members in 
all the principal cities and towns in the United 
States, and some in the interiour of every state. 

2. That it may be advisable to alter the laws so 
far as to have an additional number of Counsellors, 
not exceeding thirty — of these, to elect annually as 
many as may be thought requisite, and to add others 
when it shall appear necessary — to choose five from 
Boston or its vicinity, as a Subcouncil, three to 
form a quorum — also five in the vicinity of the Li- 
brary and Cabinet, as a Subcouncil, three of whom 
to form a quorum— both of which Subcouncils to 
meet monthly, or oftencr, one in Boston, the other 
in Worcester, to consult on measures for the benefit 



37 

of the Institution, and that each Subcouncil should 
make report of their doings to the General Council, 
to be holden at regular times and places, and also on 
each day of the stated meetings of the Society ;— - 
the two Subcouncils, with such other Counsellors 
as may meet with them, to form the General Coun- 
cil, four of whom to constitute a q\iorum for trans- 
acting the business assigned to them in Art. 2, of 
the laws ; — one Counsellor to be appointed for the 
county of Plymouth [which was the first New^ 
England colony] and one in each of the states 
wherein there shall reside not less than ten mem- 
bers ; each of these Counsellors to receive commu- 
nications from the members in the state in which 
he resides, or from those of another state wherein 
no Counsellor may have been appointed, and for- 
ward them to the President, or to either of the Cor- 
responding or Recording Secretaries, to be laid be- 
fore the General Council at their then next meeting. 
The Counsellors chosen for other states than Mas- 
sachusetts, to advise by letter, or otherwise, on any 
matters for the benefit of the Institution, especially 
such as respect the members, &c. in the states 
wherein such Counsellors reside. The Counsellors 
of every state to have a seat, and to vote at the 
meetings of the General Council. 

3. To appoint some member in every capital or 
ehief town in the United States, and in other parts 
of the continent, and wherever it may be thought 
by the Council to be necessary, to receive articles 
presented to the Society, or purchased for them, 
and to take the charge of them until they can be 
forwarded to the Library or Cabinet. 



38 

4. To have more frequent stated meetings of 
the Society, by which means many things may be 
suggested and receive dehberation, and plans adop- 
ted that may essentially benefit the Institution. It 
has been already observed, that when the members 
of a society meet but seldom, and only for a few 
hours, but little business can be done, and they are 
thus rendered more indifferent to the concerns of the 
Institution than they otherwise would be ; the so- 
ciety thereby becomes inactive, and of course of 
less importance to the community. The stated 
meetings of the Antiquarian Society in England 
are weekly. Some of the most celebrated literary 
clubs of England, France and Germany, usually 
held their meetings weekly, and some oftener. — 
Several of them have been highly beneficial to the 
world. The great Locke, Newton, and other scien- 
tifick luminaries, were members of such clubs. It 
was in them they caught ideas M^hich led to an ex- 
planation of those mysteries in science which, tiH 
then, had not been comprehended by the mind of 
man. 

5. I am requested, also, to suggest, for your 
consideration, the expedience of admitting, as mem- 
bers of this Societ}'', some gentlemen who reside in 
various parts of Europe, the Eastindies and China. 
And, should it not be one of our first endeavours to 
extend membership to gentlemen of distinguished 
characters in Spanish and Portuguese America, par- 
ticularly in the dominions of the former, where, it is 
believed, many valuable Antiquities of this continent 
may be procured ? — Time and inquiry will un- 
doubtedly furnish us with the names of suitable 



39 

persons. If our Secretaries should be requested, 
when opportunity permits, to open a correspondence 
with Societies similar to our own, in Europe, we 
may thereby obtain such information on this subject 
as will be satisfactory.* 

Every measure that can be adopted to make the 
Society appear respectable as a National Institution, 
must be desirable. Cunnot a sanction in some way 
be given to it by the National Legislature? Perhaps, 
by a petition to the National Government, it would 
permit newspapers, and other periodical works, to 
be sent to the Society in the mails, free of postage ; 
and it may resolve to send the Laws, &c. of the 
United States, to be deposited and preserved in our 
Library, f 

As our principal objects are to COLLECT and 
PRESERVE — that which demands our first atten- 
tion, and on which the prosperity, if not the exist- 
ence of this Institution depends, is to provide means 
for, and to erect a suitable edifice for deposits. At 
a late meeting, we voted to choose a Committee of 
Ways and Means to effect these purposes. As 
much depends on the choice of this Committee, it 
has been deferred till this time. J 

♦Most of the measures recommended in the foregoing articles have 
been adopted. 

t Since this Communication was made, the National Government has 
ordered its Laws, &c. to be sent to the Society ; and the Legislature of 
Massachusetts have directed the Secretary of the State to furnish the 
Institution with two copies of all their laws and other publications which 
they now have, or may hereafter have. The Society have experienced 
like indulgence from the Legislatures of most of the other States. 

if. 1820. A building suitable for the purpose is erected. 



40 

The location of a spot for a Library and Cabinet 
cannot be of so much consequence as their safety. 
An inland situation, experience convinces us, is 
more secure than a town accessible by sea ; and in 
a small town they will not be so much exposed to 
destruction by fire as they would be in a large one. 
Many valuable Libraries have been destroyed by 
fire in large cities ; and niHiiy, so placed, are at this 
time greatly exposed to the like fatality ! The phi- 
losopher and the historian, or any to whom the Li- 
brary and Cabinet of this Society may be useful,, 
will not greatly regret the distance which separates 
them from the objects of their pursuit, if they can 
but eventually obtain in one place, what, otherwise^ 
they would have to seek in many. 

I cannot presume that I have stated the best 
methods to be adopted for making this Society what- 
we all wish it to be ; but, from a variety of sugges- 
tions for the benefit of the Institution, some may be 
matured so as to be productive of usefulness. 

I have the honour to be. 

The Society's faithful Servant, 

ISAIAH THOMAS. 

Boston, October 24, 1814. 



41 



American antiquarian 'Societiv 

Extract from tl^e Journal of live Subfiouncil. 

At a Meeting of the Subcouncil of this Institution, at Wor- 
cester, Massachusetts, January 15th, 1819, 

Voted, That a Committee be chosen to draft an Address 
to the Members of this Society, giving a brief sketch of its 
objects, its progress, and its present state ; and to solicit 
their aid in promoting the purposes of the Institution. A 
Committee was chosen accordingly. . 

In Subcouncil^ February Isf, 1819. 
The Committee above mentioned made a Report, which, 
being read, was accepted. 

Attest, Rejoice Newton, Rec. Sec^ry^ 



■www*^ 



ABSTRACT 

OF AN 

ADDRESS 

TO THE MEMBERS OB THE 

AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 

• 

THERE having been a large accession of 
Members of the American Antic^uarian So- 
ciety, since its objects were communicated, the 
Government of this National Institution, residing 
in Massachusetts, have judged it to Be their duty 
to address a summary account of its principles and 
progress to all vv^bo have been elected. This meas- 
ure is adopted with a confidence, that those Mem- 
6 



42 

bcrs, if any, who may have become languid, will be 
reanimated in its service ; and that those who are 
unapprized of its views and concerns, will discharge 
their duty with cheerful ardour, when they know 
what service they can perform. 

Our Institution, in all its objects and concernSj 
is intended and considered as National^ although it 
derives its charter and its national appellation from 
the Legislature of Massachusetts, by an act passed 
October 12, 1812. This local authority was re- 
sorted to from doubts having been expressed, 
whether Congress had the power to grant a charter 
without the District of Columbia. Its Members 
are selected from all parts of the Union. Its re- 
spectability is inferred from its numbers, and from 
its comprising men of the first standing and intelli- 
pence in the nation, and some of the first distinction 
in other countries. Most other societies, although 
of a benevolent and useful character, are necessarily 
limited in their views and duration. The objects 
of this Institution are commensurate with the lapse 
of time, and its benefits will be more and more 
accumulating in the progression of ages. As the 
antiquities of our country, by various means, are 
rapidly decreasing, an Institution whose business 
will be to collect and preserve such as remain^ 
and can be obtained, must be viewed as highly im- 
portant. 

The chief objects of the inquiries and researches 
of this Society, which cannot too soon arrest its 
attention, will be American Antiquities, natural, 
artificial and literary. As all things v/hich in their 
nature are durable, if preserved from casualty and 



die ravages of time, in a course of years will be 
antique^ it will also be an object of this Society to 
deposit, from time to time, such modern produc- 
tions, as will, with accuracy, denote to those who 
succeed us, the progress of literature, the arts, 
manners, customs, and discoveries of the passing 
age. 

Thus, by an attention to tliese objects, which 
the Society hope to promote by the exertion of its 
Members residing in various sections of this vast 
continent, the utility of the Institution will speedily 
be realized, and may in time vie with similar insti- 
tutions in Europe, 

Each individual of the Society, we persuade 
ourselves, will imbibe a belief, that much of its 
reputation and usefulness depends on his individual 
efforts. Members in our own country, particularly, 
are not considered as honourary, so far as to exempt 
them from acting in the promotion of the honour 
and prosperity of the Institution. All, we trust, 
will feel an interest in collecting and forwarding to 
the President, Vicepresidents, Counsellors, Secre- 
taries, Librarian, or other Receiving Officers of the 
Institution, such antiquities of our country, whether 
of nature or of art, as may be portable, and which 
they can obtain ; and authentick accounts of such as 
cannot be transported ; widi such articles of modern 
date as are curious and interesting, and will tend to 
aid the establishment. 

It is requested that articles of Indian fabrication 
may be accompanied with some account of the place 
of their deposit, probable age, supposed use, and 
any other matter which may elucidate their history. 



44 

Authentick accounts of Indian mounds, fortifica. 
tions, and other monuments and remains, commu- 
nicated by mail, or through the Receiving Officers, 
to either of the Secretaries, are particularly desira- 
ble. Information of this kind, published under the 
sanction of the Society, will prevent much publick 
imposition, and seems appropriate to the Institu- 
tion. This request is particularly addressed to 
Members residing in the Western States, where it 
is supposed such remains are the most numerous 
and perfect. A Committee for publication are now 
preparing, and will commit a volume to the press, 
as soon as they can be furnished with sufficient orig- 
inal materials for the purpose. 

Although the Society is in its infancy, we are 
happy to announce, that it is expanding into manly 
growth ; and, with due patronage and exertion, will 
become preeminently useful. The Cabinet is not 
yet extensive ; but the Members, we trust, will soon 
make it highly respectable and useful, by their oc- 
casional contributions. Funds are about to be pro- 
cured, from the interest of which a Librarian and 
Cabinet Keeper may be supported, whose business 
shall be to attend to the property of the Society, 
and to keep it in a state of Preservation. 

The catalogue of our Books is already respecta- 
ble. Our Library, of about 5000 volumes, con- 
sists principally of books printed in the three last 
and present centuries. Some are of the fifteenth 
century. Many of these are peculiarly valuable, 
particularly American authors ; as by them we 
learn the state of religion and literature at the peri- 
od of their date. We have also files of the first 



45 

Newspapers published in British North America, 
which, probably, are the earliest printed in this 
Western world ; also, some of the first periodical 
works which appeared in Europe. Congress, and 
most of the State Legislatures, have passed acts and 
resolves for furnishing the Society with a copy of 
all their printed statutes, and such as hereafter shall 
be printed, together with their other printed docu- 
ments. These, so far as they have been printed, 
have been deposited in the Library. This liberali- 
ty, it may be presumed, will become general. 

With a view to the safety of the Library and 
Cabinet, an inland situation has been preferred. — 
By the liberality of the President, a suitable build- 
ing will speedily be erected in Worcester. A site 
sufficiently spacious and commodious has been ob- 
tained, and the materials for building are nearly pre- 
pared.* 

It may be thought superfluous to observe, that a 
Society of this kind cannot be supported without 
some permanent funds. The munificence of the 
founders has given a name and standing to our In- 
stitution ; but further agency is necessary for its fu- 
ture nourishment and support. Bodies of this cast, 
however well formed ar.d fashioned their structure, 
require some inherent stamina, or self renovating 
power ^ as the spring of perpetual life and action. 
Donations, legacies, contributions, and royal pat- 
ronage, are the support of those in Europe, and 
have raised them to a state of eminence. And it is 
not doubted that there are persons in this country, 

* The building, of permanent materials, handsome and eyery way 
snitable for the purpose is now [January, 1820] erected. 



by whose aid the American ANxiqirABiA^ So- 
ciety will be enabled to pursue those researches, 
so desirable, into the antiquities of this New World, 
and to rescue thera from the ravages of time, for 
the use and improvement of the Historian, the Phi- 
losopher, and all scientifick men of our country, of 
the present age, and of posterity. 

OLIVER FISKE, per order. 



REPORT 

Of the Committee^ chosen by the Government of the Awericak 
Antiquarian Society, to exhibit an Account of the PRO- 
GRESS and PRESENT STATE of the Institution, at the 
Annual Meeting in Boston^ Oct. 23, 1819, 

Read and accepted, &c. 

THE Committee appointed to investigate and 
report on the general progress and state of the So- 
ciety, ask leave to report — 

That they find the present situation of the Socie- 
ty much more promising than they could have an- 
ticipated. And when the scattered situation of its 
members, the small numbers who appear to have 
been actively engaged in promoting its objects, and 
that those objects are for the benefit of posterity, and 
little calculated to excite the feelings of those con- 
cerned in its present transactions, are taken into 
view, it is believed that no Society, labouring under 
similar embarrassments, has so rapidly risen into 
honourable standing, or received more flattering at- 
tentions from the most respectable portion of the 



47 

tommunity. There is, however, much remaining to 
be done, and which calls loudly for immediate exer- 
tion. The Antiquities of our country are fast disap- 
pearing, and the ravages of time are sweeping off 
many valuable relicks which may yet be saved by 
seasonable attention. Would the members, dis- 
persed as they are through the whole United States, 
watch over the sections of country in which they 
reside, many curiosities which are already antique, 
and which develop the early history of our country, 
may be preserved from destruction, and secured in 
this National Depository. But without this indi- 
vidual exertion, much, very much of our early his- 
tory must soon be irretrievably lost. 

Since the last report on the state of the Society, 
many valuable additions have been made, both to 
the Library and Cabinet, the former of which now 
contains nearly six thousand volumes, and the lat- 
ter is respectable. The Library contains many rare 
and valuable works ; some of which, it is believed, 
cannot be found elsewhere in the country, It must 
soon become a profitable resort for the Antiquarian 
and Historian, from which they may derivfe much 
gratification and instruction. But although the 
Books have been preserved with care, yet the Li- 
brary and Cabinet are at present in so disordered a 
state from the want of a suitable place of deposit, 
that their utility is in a great degree lost. This we 
hope will not long be its situation. 

Within the last year our venerable and cnterpriz- 
ing President, in praise of whose munificence too 
much cannot be said, has erected, at great expense, 
a handsome, commodious and substantial buildino- 



for the use and benefit of the Society. It will prob- 
ably be ready for the reception of the Library and 
Cabinet at some time during the next summer. It is 
sufficiently large to answer all the purposes of the 
Society for many years, and is so built, that when- 
ever more room shall be wanted, additions may be 
made without disfiguring, but would rather increase 
the elegance of the edifice. The President has also 
procured to be engraved, at his own expense, a 
beautiful and appropriate Diploma, and a Seal for the 
use of the Society. The diploma has frequently 
been called for by distant and other members. The 
manner in which it shall be distributed, will un- 
doubtedly receive the immediate attention of the 
Society. 

Presents have been made, in a very honourable 
manner, by the General Government, the several 
States of Massachusetts, Newhampshire, Vermont, 
Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, 
Missisippi and Louisiana, of their respective laws 
and the journals of the different branches of their 
Legislatures, from the fir-^t organization of their 
governments. Could we obtain similar donations 
from the other States of the Union, it would be- 
come a valuable collection of an important portion 
of the history of each State. It is to be hoped that 
the respectable members of this Society, residing 
within the several States which have not complied 
with our request to be furnished with their Laws, 
&c. will have influence enough with their respec- 
tive Legislatures to persuade them to enable us i& 
complete this collection* 



49 

The Historian might then find in a single roonij 
arranged for his convenient use, what he would oth- 
erwise be under the necessity of travelling from 
Maine to Louisiana to procure. 

Within the last year, several communications 
have been made to the Society, which are thought 
worthy of publication. Among them are minute 
and accurate surveys of many of the ancient mounds 
and fortifications of the Western Country, by Ca- 
leb At WATER, Esq. of Circleville, Ohio, done at 
the request and pecuniary assistance of the Presi- 
dent. These are accompanied with drawings, and 
particular descriptions of these wonders of ancient 
days. Mr. At water discovers an intimate ac- 
quaintance with the objects of his research, and 
great zeal in the pursuit. Could the Society find 
means to publish these papers, it is believed that 
much light might be thrown on a subject which 
has long remained in obscurity, or has only been 
brought to view in small and detached parts. 

Whenever the building, which is now in a state 
of forwardness, shall be completed, it will be highly 
important that the Society should have a Librarian 
and Cabinet Keeper, who can devote a considerable 
portion of his time to the arrangement and care of 
the Library and Cabinet. To enable the Society to 
avail themselves of the assistance of such a person 
as would be conipctent to the task, a considerable 
compensation will undoubtedly be required. But 
the state of the treasury, at present, forbids e very- 
undertaking which shall subject the Society to ex- 
pense. 

7 



50 

The plan heretofore adopted for raising funds, 
has altogether disappointed those who projected it. 
The largeness of the admission fee for life, and 
the difficulty attending the collection of an an- 
nual tax from persons dispersed over so great an ex- 
tent of territory, will probably continue to keep our 
treasury empty. Would it not be advisable to di- 
minish the admission fee, and abolish the annual 
tax ? Your Committee believe, that every mem- 
ber would cheerfully pay such a fee as would soon 
place the treasury in a situation which would meet 
all the common expenses of the Society.* Its 
principal expenses thus far incurred, have been 
defrayed by our worthy President, who has cherish- 
ed this darling child with paternal affection. Should 
his support be withheld, the Society would soon be 
in a bad condition, unless some other resource could 
be found. 

The business of the Society has heretofore de- 
volved on a small number, though most of its mem- 
bers have contributed something towards increasing 
our collections. There does not appear to be that 
interest generally taken in its prosperity, which is 
necessary to insure its constant growth, and that 
degree of usefulness, which its founders anticipat- 
ed. Yet there are many members in the different 
sections of the United States, who manifest a zeal 
in its pursuits which the acknowledged importance 
of the Institution demands, and which a better op- 

* Since this report was made, the Society have abolished the annual 
tax. Every member who has paid, or shall pay to the Treasurer the 
sum of six dollars, is excused from paying an annual tax, and is enti- 
tled to a diploma. [See the Laws, Article IX, as published in this vol- 
ume.] 



51 

portunity would render productive of much good. 
Indeed, it is believed that the time is not far distant, 
when the purposes for which the Society was insti- 
tuted, will be thought of so much importance to the 
country as to claim the active cooperation of most 
©f its members, and will ensure its success. 

REJOICE NEWTON. 

EDWARD D. BANGS. 



LAWS 

OB THE 

AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 



At a Meeting of the American Antiquarian Society, holdec 
by adjournment at the Exchange CclTee House, in Boston, 
on the third Wednesday of January, 1815 — 

ON the report of the Committee for revising the 
Laws, 

Voted, That the fundamental Laws contained 
in ten articles, be and are hereby repealed ; and the 
following substituted as the Laws of the 3mCti« 

can SntiQuarian ^odetp, viz. 

Article I. 
There shall be a President and two Vicepresi- 
dents. It shall be the duty of the President, and in 
his absence of one of the Vicepresidents, to preside 
in the meetings of the Society, and of the Council, 
and to regulate their debates ; to call meetings of 
the Council and Subcouncils, and extraordinary 



52 

meetings of the Society, by advice of the Council, 
or either of the Subcouncils. The President or 
presiding officer shall vote in Council, and in either 
of the Subcouncils, and also have a casting vote. — 
The Vicepresidents shall, ex officio, be members of 
the Council, and of each of the Subcouncils. If at 
any meeting of the Society, the President or Vice- 
presidents be absent, the oldest Counsellor present 
shall preside ; if no Counsellor be present, the old- 
est member shall preside. 

Article II. 
Sec. 1. There shall be a Council, which shall be 
composed of the two Subcouncils, and of the Coun- 
stellors chosen for the several states, and for Ply- 
mouth and Maine ; any four of whom shall consti- 
tute a quorum. The Council shall meet twice in 
every year, one of Avhich meetings shall be on the 
day next preceding the annual meeting of the Soci- 
ety in October ; and when this shall be on Monday, 
the meeting of the Council shall be on Saturday 
next preceding. The other meeting shall be hold- 
en on the Wednesday next preceding the last Thurs- 
day in June, in Worcester, The hour and place of 
assembling to be appointed by the Council. It shall 
be the duty of the Counsellors to direct the Corres- 
ponding Secretaries in the performance of their du- 
ty ; to present to the Society such regulations and 
by laws as shall be thought expedient ; to receive 
donations, and, with the President, to purchase, sell 
or lease, for the benefit of the Society, real or per- 
sonal estate ; to draw orders on the treasury for nec- 
essary monies ; and in general to manage the pru- 
dentials of the Society. 



Sec. 2. There shall be five Counsellors residuig 
in the vicinity of the Library and Cabinet, consti- 
tuting a Subcouncil, for managing the immediate 
concerns of the Library and Cabinet, and also to 
consult on measures for the benefit of the Institu- 
tion. This Subcouncil shall meet once in every 
month, at such time and place as they shall appoint. 
Three shall form a quorum. Once in every three 
months they shall examine the Library and Cabinet, 
and critically inspect the condition of the articles 
contained therein ; and shall report their proceed- 
ings to the Council. 

Sec. 3. There shall be five Counsellors whose 
residence shall be in Boston, or its vicinity, who 
shall form another Subcouncil, and meet once in 
every month, to consult and advise on the general 
concerns of the Institution ; three of whom shall 
form a quorum. They shall report their proceed^ 
ings to the Council. 

Sec. 4. There shall be one Counsellor resident in 
each of the United States, and one in Plymouth Old 
Colony, and one in Maine, with a right to a seat, and 
with power to act, in the meetings of the ' Council. 
It shall be the duty of these as well as of the other 
Counsellors to receive communications from mem- 
bers of the Society and others, and forward them to 
the President. These Counsellors are also to re- 
ceive such communications to its members as may 
be sent to their care by the officers of the Society, 
and dispose of them as may be requested. They 
are likewise to advise by letter to the President, or 
one of the Corresponding Secretaries, concerning 
any matters interesting to the Society ; to use their 



54 

efforts to gain information of the antiquities of the 
country, receive such articles as can be obtained, 
and forward them to the President, or one of the 
officers appointed to receive and forward articles 
presented to the Society. 

Article III. 

Sec. 1. There shall be one Recording Secretary, 
one or more Assistant Recording Secretaries, and 
three Corresponding Secretaries. 

Sec. 2. The Recording Secretary shall be Keep- 
er of the Seal, the Charter, and Records. It shall 
be his duty to attend all the meetings of the Society 
and Council, and to make records of all their pro- 
ceedings ; and he shall keep on file all letters and 
papers respecting the Society, under the direction 
of the Council. 

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Corresponding 
Secretaries to receive and read all communications 
made to the Society ; and to manage, under the 
direction of the Council, or either of the Subcoun- 
cils, all the correspondence of the Society. They 
shall, in books provided for the purpose, keep cop- 
ies of all letters written for the Society ; and shall 
file all letters and papers for the Society, to them 
directed, and deliver over the same, with the letter 
books, when filled, to the Librarian, under the di- 
rection of the Council. 

Article IV. 

There shall be a Treasurer, who shall give such 

security as the President and Council shall require, 

for the faithful performance of his trust. It shall be 

his duty to call on the members and others for all 



5S 

dues to the Society ; to receive and keep all monies 
and evidences of property belonging to the Society ; 
to pay out to the order of the President and Coun- 
cil ; to keep a record of his receipts and payments, 
exhibit the same, and settle with a Committee which 
shall be annually appointed for this purpose : And 
he shall put the money out to interest, under the 
direction of the Council. 

Article V. 
There shall be a Librarian and Cabinet Keeper, 
who shall give bonds to the satisfaction of the Presi- 
dent and Council for the faithful performance of his 
trust. He shall receive and have in his custody all 
books, papers, and productions of nature and art, 
the property of the Society. These he shall ar- 
range in classes, and register in a book, with a 
proper description of each article, and the donor's 
name, when the same shall be a present ; frequently 
examine the whole, and keep the same in good or- 
der. No book or article shall ever, on any ccca^ 
sion, be loaned or taken from the Library or Cabi- 
net, except by vote of the Council ; and then the 
loan of such article shall be recorded, and a receipt 
given therefor by the borrower, to return the same 
within four weeks, or pay a forfeiture, such as by a 
vote of the Council shall be prescribed. No person 
shall be permitted to enter or remain in the Libra- 
ry, except in the presence of the Librarian or a 
member of the Council. 

Article VL 
There shall be appointed by the Society from its 
members, Officers, one or more in eac!) of the Uni- 



5d 

of the Secretaries, or the Treasurer, or Librarian;, 
the Council, or either of the Subcouncils, shall take 
charge of the official books, papers and effects, be- 
longing to the vacated office^ one or more of them 
giving a receipt for the same ; which books, &c. 
they may deliver to some member w^hom they may 
appoint to fill the office until the next meeting of 
the Society, when there shall be ^ new choice. 

Article XII. 
No new law, or alteration of a standing law, shall 
hereafter be made, until it has been submitted tO 
the Council, and by them proposed to the Society, 



BY LAWS. 

I. THE ballots for the election of officers, and 
for the admission of members, shall be collected by 
a committee chosen by nomination, who shall as- 
sort and count the votes, and make report to the 
presiding officer, and he shall declare the result to 
the Society. 

II. The Secretary shall record, in a book for 
this purpose, the names of the members, and the 
times of their admission. 

III. Every officer chosen at a meeting in which 
he was not present, shall be notified of his election 
by the Recording Secretary. 

IV. The books in the Library shall be num- 
bered, and marked with the words " American An- 
tiquarian Society J*^ 



59 

V. All books and other articles belonging to 
the Society shall be appraised, and the price of 
each article shall be mentioned in the catalogue. 

VI. A correct copy of the catalogue of books 
and other articles, shall be made out by the Libra- 
rian and Cabinet Keeper, or by a committee chosen 
by the Society for this purpose, which copy shall 
be kept by the President for the time being. And 
as additions are made to the Library and Cabinet, 
they shall be entered on the catalogue and on the 
copy thereof. 

Vn. Every deed to which the common seal of 
the Society is affixed, shall be passed and sealed in 
Council, signed by the President, and attested by 
the Recording Secretary, 

Vin. There shall be a temporary place of de- 
posit in Boston, and in such other places as the 
Council shall hereafter direct, for the convenience 
of those who may be disposed to present to the So- 
ciety any articles for its Library or Cabinet. Eve- 
ry article so deposited, shall, as soon after as circum- 
stances will permit, be forwarded to the Library and 
Cabinet in Worcester. 



/I 



iftj.f; iO 



